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Cambridge council hears surveillance report; police say six overt cameras for Central Square due in April
Summary
The city presented its annual surveillance-technology report and discussed a planned pilot of overt cameras in Central Square. Residents urged audit or pause of police participation in regional intelligence databases and other surveillance tools.
The Cambridge City Council reviewed the city’s annual surveillance-technology report on March 17 and heard a mix of questions about specific programs — including ShotSpotter, automatic license-plate readers, regional intelligence sharing and a pilot of overt security cameras in Central Square.
City officials said the overt camera pilot is moving forward. Deputy Superintendent Michael Maderos told councilors that a vendor had been selected and that six overt cameras for Central Square were expected to be delivered and installed in April, though shipping delays had pushed schedules earlier in the month.
The annual report is an inventory of surveillance tools in use across city departments. Councilors and community groups used the meeting to press for stronger public review and transparency. Speakers and advocacy groups raised concerns about racial…
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